10 Best Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh

Home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, Agra is hands down one of the best cities to visit in Uttar Pradesh. Built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this symbol of love is one of the seven wonders of the world. While the Taj Mahal is enough reason to visit Agra, this city offers much more to the tourists. Aram Bagh, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Art Gallery are some popular places that you must include in your itinerary. One more thing. Whichever tourist destinations you visit and things you do, don’t leave Agra without tasting its famous petha!

Nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges, Varanasi is often included in every ardent travellers’ bucket list. As soon as you enter the city, the aroma of the incense sticks, the bustling markets and the spiritual aura will embrace you. The best part - there are a lot of things to do and places to visit in Varanasi. Make sure to attend the evening Ganga aarti, take a stroll around the ghats and take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges. And we cannot forget to mention the boat ride. When you plan a trip here, we recommend booking hotels in Varanasi beforehand because the city welcomes tourists in large numbers throughout the year.

We cannot make a list of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh without talking about the capital city, Lucknow. A historical gem in the crown of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow draws tourists of different kinds. Whether you are a history lover, wildlife enthusiast, an ardent foodie or a cultural soul, you will find plenty of things to explore here. Bara Imambara, British Residency, Rumi Darwaza and Lucknow Zoo are just some of the top attractions in this Land of Nawabs.

The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is one of the most sacred destinations for Hindu pilgrims. Trust us when we say this, the divinity and tranquillity in the air will make you fall in love with this place the moment you step in. Though the city maintains its vibrancy throughout the year, Mathura is a sight to sore eyes during the major festivals Krishna Janmashtami, Holi and Diwali. When you are planning a visit to Mathura, remember, you will have to take a flight to Agra and then take a bus or train to Mathura.

Next on our list is Vrindavan, a sacred city celebrating the bond of Radha and Krishna. If you are looking for a spiritual retreat, we suggest taking a flight to Delhi or Agra and visiting this temple town on your next vacation. Why? Because the city is home to more than 5,000 temples. Some of them that you must visit are Banke Bihari temple, Prem Mandir and Krishna Balaram temple. Besides being prominent religious centres, these temples are renowned for their stunning architecture as well.

The birthplace of the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Ayodhya needs no introduction. This holy city is home to countless temples, beautiful ghats and ancient structures. A tour of this region will surely offer a deep insight into the bygone era. Wondering what to do in Ayodhya? Here’s a quick guide. You can visit the Ram Janmabhoomi, explore the fine architecture of the Moti Mahal, tour the Sita ki Rasoi and seek blessings at Treta Ke Thakur and Hanuman Garhi. A reminder here. The nearest airport to Ayodhya is in Lucknow. So, you will have to land in Lucknow and then come to Ayodhya via roadways.

If you wish to travel back to the glorious past of India, we recommend visiting the ancient city of Jhansi. Filled with the remnants of triumphant history and tales of the courage of Rani Laxmi Bai, Jhansi is an absolute treat for history buffs. From majestic forts and alluring temples to beautiful parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Jhansi has something for everyone. You can have an encounter with the past at the Jhansi Fort and Rani Mahal, admire the natural beauty at Barua Sagar Tal and Herbal Garden or explore the Jhansi Museum. Isn’t it how a perfect vacation sounds like? But, before planning the trip, remember Jhansi does not have its own airport. So, take a flight to Gwalior, from where you can approach Jhansi via roadways.

One of the most famous places Uttar Pradesh offers to its tourists, Allahabad is a testament to vibrant Indian culture. The land of the magnificent Kumbh Mela, this city is flocked by a large crowd of tourists throughout the year. Now, let’s talk about the popular tourist places! You must start your Allahabad tour with the auspicious Triveni Sangam, a spot formed by the confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Next, you should visit the Anand Bhavan, the preserved home of Jawarhal Lal. After this, you can head to Khurso Bagh, Allahabad Fort and All Saints Cathedral for a memorable sightseeing tour. Also, don’t forget to try street food and delicious local cuisine during your trip.

For a breath of spiritual air amid the dense crowds of Uttar Pradesh, head to Sarnath. A short drive from the Varanasi airport, Sarnath is a significant Buddist centre, perfect for that much-needed weekend break. There are a bunch of things to do here. Let’s talk about some of them! While in Sarnath, you must visit the Bodhi Tree, seek enlightenment at Dhamek Stupa and visit the Thai Temple and Monastery. That’s not it! The Garden of Spiritual Wisdom and the Archaeological Museum are other prominent points of interest. A friendly piece of advice, try to plan your vacation during the Budha Purnima festivities to experience Sarnath’s true glory.

We cannot wrap up the list of Uttar Pradesh points of interest without Meerut. The city boasts some of the most popular cultural heritage and historical sites like Mustafa Castle, Augharnath Temple, Shahpeer Sahab ki Dargah and Saint John's Church. Also, there are several beautiful parks, like Gandhi Bagh and Suraj Kund Park where you can relax and unwind. To reach here, the most convenient airport is in Delhi. You can take a flight to Delhi, from where you can take a train, bus or cab to Meerut.

Ready for an escapade in this intriguing state? Great! Start the planning right away. Believe us, you will return home with pleasant memories that will last for a lifetime.